Class 1 Restricted Access Vehicles
Overmass Period Permit
- Version 2 Release -

Main Roads Western Australia is pleased to announce the release of Version 2 of the Class 1 Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) Overmass Period Permit Operating Conditions.

For existing permit holders, there is no need to contact Main Roads as we are progressively upgrading the permits to reflect necessary changes.  All efforts are currently being made to affect these changes and issue revised Permits and Operating Conditions as soon as possible.  Operators are requested to exercise patience while this occurs.

In essence, the new version is primarily focused towards operation of low loaders with a payload capacity of up to approximately 50 tonnes.  Acting on feedback from industry, Main Roads has also enhanced the scope of the Permit to include additional vehicle configurations, the most notable being the inclusion of tri-dolly/low loader combinations.  Providing vehicles are suitably rated, the Permit now also allows for up to 18.5 tonnes on prime mover tandem drive axle groups, however load limits for tandem dollies will remain unchanged at 18 tonnes.

Access to the network now also covers a significant portion of the State not previously covered. Access within the Shires of Manjimup, Augusta-Margaret River and Nannup will remain restricted, however access will be provided along key highways and main roads through these areas.  This will allow operators to transit through this part of the State providing they adhere to requirements for the specified bridge restrictions.

Other notable changes include, but are not limited to, the following: 
. Permit Amendments:

.    The Permit will now be issued to a specific trailer registration, rather than to a
      prime mover.  Approved prime movers and dollies will still be specified on
      the Permit, or an attached "endorsement", indicating identification and
      rating information;
.    The "extra mass table" has been removed from the Permit.  Mass limits are
      now covered in the Operating Conditions;
.    Conditions 2 and 3 relating to central bridge movement and speed restrictions
      have been removed from the Permit. These conditions are now included in
      the Operating Conditions;
.    The Permit will now also specify approved combinations based on nomination
      by the operator of the largest configuration to be used. 
      As normal, the Permit fee will be based on the extra mass.
. Operating Condition Amendments:

.    The approved vehicle combinations have been separated into 3 clearly
      defined categories; 
.    The restricted bridge tables have been revised, providing latitude and longitude
      coordinates which can be used in GPS units to assist in determining their
      exact locations;
.    More detailed maps have been included, consistent with the Class 2 & 3 Period
      Permit format to maintain synergy across products and improve ease of use; 
.    There is provision to incorporate use of the Intelligent Access Program (IAP)
      at a later date.

Operators are advised that Main Roads will only be able to amend Permits based on the existing information held.  For example, operators wishing to take advantage of new tri-axle dolly provisions will be required to notify the Heavy Vehicle Operations Branch of that need and provide required rating information in order for those Permits to be issued.  On receipt of this advice Main Roads will then issue a new permit, cancel any existing Permit where necessary, and issue a refund for any unused portion.

Operators are also asked to note there may be vehicles within their fleet which have rating inconsistencies.  These mainly relate to some prime movers not having sufficient Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) to cater for any increase of mass on the drive axle group.  Additionally if intending to include a tri-axle dolly, the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) rating may need to be increased. 

Operators are encouraged to first check manufacturer"s ratings against licence information and if required re-present vehicles to the Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI), in accordance with DPI Vehicle Standards Bulletin 6, before approaching Heavy Vehicle Operations to take advantage of the higher ratings.
. Other Important Notes:

.    Operators needing to cross bridges still bound by restrictions must continue to
      seek Single Trip Permits for that part of their journey.  In such instances however,
      operators need only specify that bridge and the part of the route affected.
.    It is the operator"s responsibility to keep themselves aware of any changes to
      operating conditions and/or road networks, including updates or additions to
      listed bridge restrictions. A free subscription to the Main Roads website
      (www.mainroads.wa.gov.au) is available to assist operators monitor changes
      to heavy vehicle information posted on the site.
.    The Operating Conditions form part of the Permit and a copy must be carried
      together with the Permit in each towing vehicle. Only 1 set of new
      Operating Conditions will be supplied for each Permit.  Additional copies can
      be downloaded free of charge from our website. 
.    Operators must not exceed a manufacturer"s rating. These include GCM, GVM, ATM,
      GTM, axle group and tyre ratings.

This product has been significantly improved, allowing industry greater flexibility and access while still providing the framework necessary to achieve a high standard of road safety and infrastructure protection.  To assist in maintaining the level of flexibility and access afforded, Main Roads strongly encourages all users and industry participants to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the new Operating Conditions at the earliest opportunity.

If you require further information, please contact the HVO Help Desk on (08) 9311 8450.

Doug Morgan
A/Director Heavy Vehicle Operations
27 September 2007